Varsity enjoys well-earned day off

Belated Father's Day greetings to all. I know I enjoyed my Father's Day with my family Sunday afternoon/evening and I got the best gift of all on Sunday night when the Yanks wrapped up a series win with an 8-2 drubbing of the once-powerful Mets.

By the way, in case anybody was wondering, the Yanks hold a 5-1-5 edge in season series wins over the junior varsity since interleague's inception in 1997. We also managed to squeeze out a 4-1 World Series title in 2000 (you remember that, right jrhcpa?).

Anyway, speaking of that fool, he wants to know why I didn't bring up the standings in my post following the Yanks' 11-8 win over the Metsies on Saturday. You have to love when this clown suddenly gets philosophical. OK, I'm sorry. Here's an update on the standings: As of today, the Yankees have cut off 6 1/2 games off a one-time 14 1/2 deficit of Boston in a 2 1/2 week span (Atlanta helped us last night by smacking Curt Schilling around and getting a win). You, as well as some of your cohorts, were dancing in the streets when they Yanks hit rock bottom.

The Mets, on the other hand, have seen their first-place lead shrink to 1 1/2 games (from a 5-plus game lead, I'm not really sure what the high-water mark was). If my memory serves me correct, it was you who already handed the Mets the NL East title a few weeks back.

The only problem is, not only are they fighting off Atlanta (a team they can't beat), but they allowed the Phillies and even the Marlins back in the race.

Still glad I brought up the standings?

Also, you questioned Dean on the JV reference. Why am I not surprised that you don't get it? It's not about wins and losses, although, of course, the Yankees have experienced ample success over the last 12-plus years. As I said a few weeks back, it doesn't matter who's in first, what the records are, etc., etc., etc. The Yankees will ALWAYS be the varsity and the Mets ALWAYS the JV in this town.

And finally, yes indeed, Tom Glavine did beat us last month, his last win as a matter of fact. But it wasn't like he was lights-out in that game either. If Darrell Rasner doesn't get hurt and we have to go to Mike Myers in the first inning, we have a fair chance to win that game.

Anyway, sorry to bore everybody to death with some of these fun facts, but I had to once again put the dunce cap on jrhcpa.

Let's look at the Yanks' upcoming road trip. Three at Colorado, three at SF and three at completely inept Baltimore.

Starting pitching will once again be pivotal. We have Mussina, Pettitte and Clemens going in Colorado. I think we'll get enough hitting to get at least 2 of 3, even if our starters aren't completely on.

Here's to hoping A-Rod continues his torrid hitting.

Also, although in the long run I think we have to explore adding another right-handed first baseman (Jeff Conine, please?), I'm hoping Joe Torre keeps Miguel Cairo at first. He's certainly earned it between his superb defensive play and solid hitting of late.

As for the Johnny Damon situation (no DH in NL park), my gut feeling is to sit him the first two games of the series. This will give him three full days of rest. Then play him three of the last four games of the western portion of the trip. Obviously, the DH returns when we get to Baltimore.

Finallly I want to end the blog by bringing up something the inept broadcasting team of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan said on Sunday night's broadcast. They referred to the 29-year anniversary (which was Monday) of Ron Guidry's 18-strikeout performance against the Angels, then showed footage of Guidry walking off the mound when the game ended. Miller correctly pointed out Thurman Munson and Chris Chambliss congratulating Guidry, then, just as the picture froze, said that teammate Tommy John (No. 25, who was entering the picture as it froze) also offered his hand. The only problem was, John was a member of the L.A. Dodgers in 1978. Did the Dodgers fly John in the last minute to offer his congratulations?